Cloud symbol next to new apple apps?

Dis_n Said:

"Cloud symbol next to new apple apps?: Wondering if this is typical of certain apple apps… I have not updated my iOS to versions that would support ‘Freeform’ and ‘journal.’ Yet… when I am in the App Store, they have a cloud icon next to them. Is this typical? Thank you!"

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Cloud Showing in App Store:

If you don't have a compatible iOS version, then it would show with a cloud. These are items you have (expectedly) purchased. Elsewise, it would say "Get" or [have a price]. As for the error, what are the Apps?

Yup, completely normal. All stock Apple apps are automatically “purchased”, even if you don’t have any devices that can run the apps.

Yup. All stock Apple apps show that icon, but if you tap it, it won’t let you actually install it.

Dis_n Said:

"Sorry, I don’t quite understand. I do not have a compatible IOS, yet it has the cloud symbol, which usually is for apps that have been downloaded before. So I’m asking if this is typical of the new Apple Apps that come pre-installed? For example, the Freeform and Journal apps. It has a cloud, but I have never downloaded it before bc I have an IOS lower than 16. "

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Pre-Installed Apps:

First off, preinstalled apps are not removable; they are built in to the iOS.

Verify the Date:

What do you see when you look underneath these apps? There should be a date of purchase (free or not). So, click on your emblem on the top-right corner of the screen > Apps > All > View the date under the app. If a date is shown, then that is when it was purchased (free or not).

Dis_n Said:

Q1. "Maybe Im not being clear. I have IOS 15.4 and when I search in apps for JOURNAL and FREEFORM it has a downloaded cloud symbol. These two apps are the new Apple Apps that are automatically put on your phone when you update to higher versions of IOS."

A1. If compatible, then it will automatically upgrade for the point of compatibility. If no update, then it just won't work.

Q2."So I am asking if this happens for everyone? Will anyone with a lower IOS search and see the cloud for these apps? Since they are stock Apple Apps?"

A2. Not in all Circumstances. Note that Apple Customers have their own devices. Eventually, an app becomes incompatible with your iOS version, meaning it is time to upgrade. So, if it forever compatible, then they will always see it. But, when your installed iOS is obsolete, you just will no longer have the option to install it, and as a result, you would not see the cloud.